Obituary for Stephan Lee Oberlin
Stephan Lee Oberlin, born June 30, 1980, passed away at 41, on Thursday, April 21, 2022, of complications associated with an accidental fall and a brave battle with drug addiction. He is survived by his parents, Karla J. (Oberlin) Sprung and Randy L. Sprung, his brother Andrew L. Sprung, his sister Clairess L. Frederick, his uncle Dale A. Oberlin, his aunt Paulette A. Oberlin, uncle Aaron J. Oberlin, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Preceded by grandparents Marvin G. Oberlin, and Dorothy L. Oberlin, and his uncle Mark A. Oberlin.
Stephan battled many years with his addiction and at the time of his accident he was headed into the seventh month of recovery. It wasn't his first attempt at recovery, he tried many times, but he never gave up. He recently entered a treatment facility in Milwaukee to begin a new life. He started a new job and was planning his future drug free. He was enjoying all the benefits of a normal life, setting goals, and reaching for the stars. "The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark". ~ Michelangelo [Italian Artist March 6, 1475-1564]
His first introduction to drugs was at the age of thirteen, he was hit by a car and broke his legs. While he was in the hospital, he had a button he could push when he felt pain. He remembered how the medicine took his pain away. Pertinent later in life. His second introduction to drugs was at a high school party, they collectively gathered medicine from their parent's medicine cabinets and a seed was planted. Many knew Stephan only through the eyes of addiction, that, was not the real Stephan. Those lucky enough to truly know him recognized him as caring, a fiercely loyal friend, hilariously funny, sensitive, talkative, competitive, always right [eye roll], and helpful especially to those suffering with their demons.
Stephan's younger years were joyful and full of shenanigans. When he was in grade school, his teacher would tell me he was a social butterfly, he was liked by all and fun to be around. Over the years I have received many compliments on how hard he worked, his work ethic, and how it was a pleasure to work with him. He loved skateboarding, fishing, the outdoors, football, baseball, dirt bikes, Nintendo, Sega [Sonic The Hedgehog], Kermit the Frog, Wacky Taffy, Gremlins, Ghost Busters, Back to the Future, and Jolly Ranchers. He loved pickles and always had pickle breath. Some of his favorite things as an adult were still Wacky Taffy, Jolly Ranchers, and pickles. He was very smart, artistically talented, well-loved and will be sorely missed. An analysis of his name yields of Greek origin and the meaning of Stephan is garland, crowned one, high ability of persuasion, sensitive, his color is blue, and his number is six [all true to him].
Know this, addiction doesn't discriminate, it will take hold and destroy everything in its path including the addict and their loved ones. Addiction hides in the face of everyday people everywhere. It's time we faced the truth regarding addiction and its stigma associated with this horrible epidemic. Help is available for the family and for your loved one. Search online for a Nar-Anon Family Group near you where you can learn to cope and best help yourself and your loved one.
Stephan's legacy through his battle was to never give up, and by his example he would encourage others to do the same no matter what the battle.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Stephan's name be made to a drug treatment center to help others who are struggling with addiction, such as United Community Center https://www.unitedcc.org/ Milwaukee and Project WisHope, is another organization making a difference in Wisconsin. https://www.wishope.org/
Please join the Family in "Stephan's Celebration of Life", at Westallion Brewing Company https://www.westallionbrewing.com/, Friday May 27, 2022, from 6pm to 9pm. Address: 1825 S 72nd St., West Allis, WI. and Rupena's Catering. Sport something Blue if you have it in memory of Stephan.
A private service is planned at Forest Hill Memorial Park, Oak Creek, WI.
Stephan battled many years with his addiction and at the time of his accident he was headed into the seventh month of recovery. It wasn't his first attempt at recovery, he tried many times, but he never gave up. He recently entered a treatment facility in Milwaukee to begin a new life. He started a new job and was planning his future drug free. He was enjoying all the benefits of a normal life, setting goals, and reaching for the stars. "The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark". ~ Michelangelo [Italian Artist March 6, 1475-1564]
His first introduction to drugs was at the age of thirteen, he was hit by a car and broke his legs. While he was in the hospital, he had a button he could push when he felt pain. He remembered how the medicine took his pain away. Pertinent later in life. His second introduction to drugs was at a high school party, they collectively gathered medicine from their parent's medicine cabinets and a seed was planted. Many knew Stephan only through the eyes of addiction, that, was not the real Stephan. Those lucky enough to truly know him recognized him as caring, a fiercely loyal friend, hilariously funny, sensitive, talkative, competitive, always right [eye roll], and helpful especially to those suffering with their demons.
Stephan's younger years were joyful and full of shenanigans. When he was in grade school, his teacher would tell me he was a social butterfly, he was liked by all and fun to be around. Over the years I have received many compliments on how hard he worked, his work ethic, and how it was a pleasure to work with him. He loved skateboarding, fishing, the outdoors, football, baseball, dirt bikes, Nintendo, Sega [Sonic The Hedgehog], Kermit the Frog, Wacky Taffy, Gremlins, Ghost Busters, Back to the Future, and Jolly Ranchers. He loved pickles and always had pickle breath. Some of his favorite things as an adult were still Wacky Taffy, Jolly Ranchers, and pickles. He was very smart, artistically talented, well-loved and will be sorely missed. An analysis of his name yields of Greek origin and the meaning of Stephan is garland, crowned one, high ability of persuasion, sensitive, his color is blue, and his number is six [all true to him].
Know this, addiction doesn't discriminate, it will take hold and destroy everything in its path including the addict and their loved ones. Addiction hides in the face of everyday people everywhere. It's time we faced the truth regarding addiction and its stigma associated with this horrible epidemic. Help is available for the family and for your loved one. Search online for a Nar-Anon Family Group near you where you can learn to cope and best help yourself and your loved one.
Stephan's legacy through his battle was to never give up, and by his example he would encourage others to do the same no matter what the battle.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Stephan's name be made to a drug treatment center to help others who are struggling with addiction, such as United Community Center https://www.unitedcc.org/ Milwaukee and Project WisHope, is another organization making a difference in Wisconsin. https://www.wishope.org/
Please join the Family in "Stephan's Celebration of Life", at Westallion Brewing Company https://www.westallionbrewing.com/, Friday May 27, 2022, from 6pm to 9pm. Address: 1825 S 72nd St., West Allis, WI. and Rupena's Catering. Sport something Blue if you have it in memory of Stephan.
A private service is planned at Forest Hill Memorial Park, Oak Creek, WI.